The Old Man and the Sea (1958)

Director:

John Sturges

Writers:

Ernest Hemingway (novel)
Peter Viertel (writer)

Release Date:

11 October 1958 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama

Tagline:

SPENCER TRACY in his most suspenseful role...ERNEST HEMINGWAY'S story of Heroism...Defeat...Victory!

Plot:

An old Cuban fisherman's dry spell is broken when he hooks a gigantic fish that drags him out to sea. Based on Ernest Hemingway's story.

Plot Keywords:

Shark | Fishing | Pulitzer Prize Source | Boat | Cuban

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 5 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Spencer Tracy	...	The Old Man / Narrator
Felipe Pazos	...	The Boy
Harry Bellaver	...	Martin
Don Diamond	...	Cafe Proprietor
Don Blackman	...	Hand Wrestler
Joey Ray	...	Gambler
Mary Hemingway	...	Tourist
Richard Alameda	...	Gambler
Tony Rosa	...	Gambler
Carlos Rivero	...	Gambler
Robert Alderette	...	Gambler
Mauritz Hugo	...	Gambler

Runtime:

86 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Warnercolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

West Germany:6 (f) | Finland:K-12 | UK:U | Canada:PG

Filming Locations:

Cojimar Bay, Havana, & Boca de Jaruco, Cuba

Company:

Leland Hayward Productions

Trivia:

In 1952, Humphrey Bogart attempted to purchase the film rights to Hemingway's novel through his production company, Santana Productions. Bogart identified strongly with the character of the old man and wanted to play the fisherman in the film project, with Nicholas Ray as the director. Unfortunately, the actor was unsuccessful in securing the film rights, and the film wasn't made until the year following his death, with his close friend Spencer Tracy starring.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Although the Old Man is supposed to be way out at sea and all alone, at around 34 minutes and 30 seconds a small boat with a person on it can clearly be seen between the old man's body and his left arm.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003) (VG)

A movie about an old man and his marlin.

One of Spencer Tracy's top performances; it goes down with "Captain's Courageous." Most often a book is better then the movie but in this case the movie brings the book to life. This is due to the somewhat larger then life character of Tracy. The story, although classic and definitely worth while reading, is best summed up by Tracy's acting technique.

This was no location film which means the greater portion of realism must come from the actor. A story about a man thinking and talking to himself while he is on a boat for three days would be difficult for any actor. Tracy brings the truest sense of humility and courage to this role. It is enjoyable reading but I encourage anyone to see this movie.